Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi is Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Born in Bangkok in 1946, he attended school there at St. Gabriel's College and Triam Udom School. From 1963-1973, under scholarship from the Bank of Thailand, Dr. Supachai received his Master's Degree in Econometrics, Development Planning and his Ph.D. in Economic Planning and Development at the Netherlands School of Economics (now known as Erasmus University) in Rotterdam.

Dr. Supachai became Deputy Prime Minister entrusted with oversight of the country's economic and trade policy making. He supervised key economic offices, including the Budget Bureau, the National Economic and Social Development Board, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. In the process, he set policy directives on macro-economic management for the country. He held the position of Deputy Prime Minister until 1995.

In a 40-year career in the multilateral trade system Roderick Abbott has been involved in almost every aspect of trade policy, with particular emphasis on negotiations and trade disputes, with the Board of Trade, London, and later (since 1973) with the EC Commission.

Kipkorir Aly Azad Rana has had a distinguished career in the Government of Kenya serving as a senior representative of his government at various international organizations, including the WTO and the UN. Prior to assuming his position at the WTO he was a global consultant for bilateral and multilateral trade and investment policies and negotiations.

Francisco Thompson-Flôres has extensive experience as a diplomat and trade negotiator for the Brazilian Government. Prior to assuming his position at the WTO he was Ambassador in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Rufus H. Yerxa is an experienced trade diplomat and lawyer who has served as a senior US trade official in both Republican and Democratic administrations. He has also been staff director of a key Congressional subcommittee on international trade matters and a private attorney.

Ms. Leslie Detter has been appointed Chief Administrative Officer, responsible for the Administration at Headquarter. She continues to serve as Director-Sponsor Relations and as the staff officer for the carrier members

Ms. Ratana Poopitakchatkaew has assumed Ms. Detter's duties as Director-Board Relations in addition to her current responsibilities as Director of Administration and Finance for the Bangkok Operational Headquarters and the Singapore Asia Division Office she remains based in Bangkok.

Ms. Paveena Olansuksakul has been promoted to Assistant Manager - Communications. Her new title adds more responsibilities to empower the Association's internal and external communication activities, including media and member relations.

Mr. John Koldowski's new title is Managing Director - Stratigic Information Centre. His new title more accurately reflects the significance of PATA'S Bangkok based research body. Mr. Koldowski joined PATA in Singapore in May 1997, then moved to Bangkok in September 1998 when the Association relocated its operational Headquarters.